Many artists assume that any soft-lead pencil will behave like a pastel, but that is a quick way to ruin a piece of paper. Pastel pencils are a specific tool, and using the wrong medium usually leads to nothing but frustration and dust.
Understanding the difference between wax-based soft cores and genuine chalk-based pigment is essential. Selecting the Best Pastel Pencils for your specific technique is the difference between a smooth transition and a muddy mess. Keep reading to see how these sets stack up.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize pencils with high pigment density rather than those that rely on heavy binders or excessive wax.
- Check if the lead is specifically labeled as a chalk or powder-based medium to ensure proper layering on textured art paper.
- Ensure the pencil core is centered within the wood casing to avoid frequent snapping during the sharpening process.
- Look for sets that offer a wide range of neutral tones, as these are more critical for structural sketching than bright primaries.
- Verify that the binders used in the lead are compatible with standard fixatives to keep your finished work from shifting or smearing.
| The Professional Gold Standard |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 60 | Exceptional color lightfastness | Holds a sharp point | Excellent pigment density | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Starter Palette |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 12 | Same quality as larger sets | Perfect for travel | Superior blending capabilities | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Aesthetic Specialist |  |
Castle Art Pasteltint Colored Pencils | Sumptuous soft tones | Smooth color laydown | Convenient tin case | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Traditional Dry Media |  |
Koh-I-Noor Soft Pastel Pencils | Authentic chalky texture | Excellent for blending | High-quality wood casing | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Variety |  |
H&B 72 Pastel Chalk Pencils | Extensive color selection | Vibrant pigment output | Durable storage tin | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Comprehensive Sketching Toolkit |  |
Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk Pencils | Extensive 72-color range | Matte finish appearance | Great for charcoal techniques | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Balanced Mid-Range |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 36 | Perfect middle-ground size | Consistent lead quality | Reliable color blending | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Core Dreamers |  |
Kalour Macaron Pastel Pencils | Creamy application | Beautiful light-filled colors | Soft, break-resistant core | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Focused Artistic Selection |  |
Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk 50 | Curated color list | Excellent chalk-based texture | Consistent quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Relaxation and Wellness |  |
Castle Art Harmonious Pencils | Harmonious color palette | Extremely soft application | Relaxing, smooth flow | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 60
If you want the industry benchmark for pastel work, this is your destination. These pencils are firm enough to hold a razor-sharp point for fine details, yet they possess a buttery texture that makes blending feel almost effortless.
They are the most reliable option for artists who need predictable performance across a large palette. While the high pigment concentration makes them a serious investment, the sheer variety in this 60-count set covers almost every subject imaginable.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Type:Pastel Pencils
- Set Size:60
- Color Range:Full Spectrum
- Core Material:Oil-free pastel
- Primary Use:Professional fine art
- Additional Feature:Compatible with other media
- Additional Feature:Highly blendable lead
- Additional Feature:Acid-free pigments
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 12
Sometimes you just need the basics to build a foundation. This smaller set provides the same high-quality lead found in the larger collections, making it perfect for artists who want to see if the brand suits their style before committing to a massive tin.
The selection of 12 colors is surprisingly versatile for sketches or initial color blocking. Just be aware that you will run out of the most used shades quickly, so keep a sharpener nearby.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Type:Pastel Pencils
- Set Size:12
- Core Material:Oil-free pastel
- Primary Use:Sketching and detail
- Additional Feature:Metal storage tin
- Additional Feature:Fade resistant colors
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
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Castle Art Pasteltint Colored Pencils
These pencils are specifically designed for those who gravitate toward muted, dreamy color palettes. They feel significantly softer than traditional charcoal-based pastels, which allows for a smoother laydown that feels like velvet on paper.
They perform beautifully for adult coloring or illustrations that require a gentle, airy touch. Because the cores are so soft, they wear down quite rapidly, so consider this set a partner for mood-based work rather than structural drawing.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Type:Pastel-tinted pencils
- Set Size:48
- Core Material:Soft wax-based
- Primary Use:Adult coloring and illustration
- Additional Feature:Vibrant, creamy texture
- Additional Feature:Break-resistant core
- Additional Feature:Lightweight casing
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Koh-I-Noor Soft Pastel Pencils
These pencils offer a classic, chalky feel that long-time pastel enthusiasts usually prefer. They are quite dry compared to modern oil-based alternatives, which makes them ideal for blending with a stump or your fingers to achieve that signature dusty pastel finish.
They are best suited for artists who value that authentic, gritty texture of traditional sticks but want the control of a pencil. You might find them slightly brittle, so treat them with care when sharpening.
- Brand:Koh-I-Noor
- Type:Soft pastel
- Set Size:24
- Core Material:Natural chalk
- Primary Use:Fine art sketching
- Additional Feature:Traditional dry formula
- Additional Feature:Highly erasable
- Additional Feature:Easy to smudge
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H&B 72 Pastel Chalk Pencils
If you need a wide range of colors without breaking the bank, this 72-piece set is a practical choice. It offers a vibrant color selection that serves as a great entry point for someone expanding their art supplies for the first time.
The pencils are reasonably soft and work well for those broad, expressive shading techniques. You might find the wood casing isn't as premium as top-tier brands, but the pigment output is quite respectable for the price.
- Brand:H&B
- Type:Chalk pastel
- Set Size:72
- Color Range:Full spectrum
- Primary Use:Hobbyist drawing
- Additional Feature:Blendable pigments
- Additional Feature:Versatile shading
- Additional Feature:Organized color palette
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Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk Pencils
This set is a workhorse for artists who go through materials quickly. With 72 colors, you get a massive range that includes useful neutrals and grays alongside standard hues, which is a major advantage for shading and depth.
They behave much like charcoal, offering a dusty, matte finish that looks fantastic on toned paper. Keep in mind that the softer lead means you will be reaching for your sharpener more often than you might expect.
- Brand:Kalour
- Type:Chalk pastel
- Set Size:72
- Core Material:Charcoal-based
- Primary Use:Sketching and shading
- Additional Feature:Numbered color chart
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending
- Additional Feature:Solid pigment distribution
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 36
This 36-pack is perhaps the most practical configuration for someone who needs more than a starter set but doesn't require the full 60-count range. It provides all the necessary shades for building skin tones, landscapes, or architectural drawings.
You get the same uncompromising quality as the larger sets, ensuring your work remains consistent as you grow your collection. It is the goldilocks of the lineup, offering plenty of options without cluttering your desk.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Type:Pastel Pencils
- Set Size:36
- Core Material:Oil-free pastel
- Primary Use:Professional drawing
- Additional Feature:High lightfastness
- Additional Feature:Professional pigment grade
- Additional Feature:Durable metal tin
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Kalour Macaron Pastel Pencils
These pencils are tailored for those who love a soft, pastel aesthetic and want a smooth, creamy application. They feel less like chalk and more like a high-end coloring pencil, which makes them very forgiving for beginners who are nervous about harsh lines.
The "macaron" labeling reflects their muted, light-filled tones perfectly. They are not designed for heavy-duty, abrasive pastel work, but they are absolutely lovely for light, decorative pieces.
- Brand:Kalour
- Type:Soft core
- Set Size:74
- Core Material:Wax-based
- Primary Use:Coloring and shading
- Additional Feature:High pigment concentration
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending performance
- Additional Feature:Includes extra pencils
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Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk 50
This 50-piece set strikes a nice balance between variety and manageability. By trimming down from the larger 72-piece sets, you get a curated selection that feels less overwhelming while still providing all the essential tones for a complete drawing.
The chalk-based core is great for those who want that classic, smoky look in their art. It is a solid choice for someone who wants to dedicate time to mastering the properties of chalk without needing a massive drawer full of supplies.
- Brand:Kalour
- Type:Chalk pastel
- Set Size:50
- Core Material:Charcoal-based
- Primary Use:Sketching and Shading
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
- Additional Feature:Matte finish
- Additional Feature:Sturdy storage tin
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Castle Art Harmonious Pencils
Marketed toward those who draw for mental relaxation, these pencils feature a very soft, wax-based core. The colors are intentionally muted and harmonious, meaning it is difficult to create a color combination that looks jarring or out of place.
They are incredibly easy to layer, making them excellent for long, meditative coloring sessions. Because they are so soft, they aren't meant for technical sketching, but they are a delight for casual, stress-free creativity.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Type:Wax-based
- Set Size:72
- Core Material:Soft wax
- Primary Use:Adult coloring
- Additional Feature:Muted color scheme
- Additional Feature:Comfortable grip
- Additional Feature:Protective tin case
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard pencil sharpener for my pastel pencils?
You should avoid standard metal sharpeners, as they often apply too much pressure and snap the brittle lead inside. Instead, use a dedicated pastel sharpener or a sharp craft knife to shave away the wood carefully. This gives you better control and prevents the core from crumbling under stress.
Do I need to use a fixative spray on my finished drawings?
Pastel is a dry medium, so it will always remain somewhat loose on the paper surface. A light layer of workable fixative helps secure the layers as you draw, but be aware that it can slightly darken your colors. Use it sparingly to avoid turning your vibrant work into a muted or muddy version of itself.
How do I blend colors if I cannot use my fingers?
You can use blending stumps or color shapers to move pigment across the paper without the oils from your skin interfering with the texture. These tools allow for precise transitions in tight corners where your fingers simply will not fit. They are essential companions for maintaining clean, professional results.
Are pastel pencils toxic?
Most modern professional brands have moved away from toxic heavy metal pigments, but you should still avoid inhaling the fine dust produced during the drawing process. Always work in a well-ventilated area to keep your lungs clear. It is also a good habit to keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe your hands and workspace clean.
Is it better to buy a full set or individual pencils?
If you are new to the medium, a starter set of 12 or 24 colors provides a solid foundation for mixing and layering. Once you understand which shades you use most frequently, you can replace them by purchasing individual open-stock pencils. This approach saves money and prevents your collection from becoming cluttered with colors you never use.
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